Cubs Sign Dontrelle Willis to a Minor League Deal

According to a report from Jon Heyman, the Cubs signed veteran lefty Dontrelle Willis to a minor league contract. The deal does not include a non-roster invite to big league camp, this is strictly a minor league contract.

Dontrelle Willis turns 31 on January 12 and was originally selected by the Cubs in the eighth round of the 2000 draft.

Dontrelle Willis last pitched in the majors in 2011 for the Cincinnati Reds and was 1-6 in 13 starts with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Willis spent last season at the Triple-A level in the Orioles system and was 0-3 in four games, one start, with a 8.53 ERA and a 2.21 WHIP. Willis reportedly walked away from the game and retired last year.

Dontrelle Willis was traded to the Marlins along with Jose Cueto, Ryan Jorgensen and Julian Tavarez on March 27, 2002 for Antonio Alfonseca and Matt Clement.